So what happens at The Druid Camp?
Over the course of five days, from Wednesday to Sunday, the camp is alive with activities and opportunities. Originally the camp was four days, but due to popular request in 2007 it was extended to the present length.
The camp officially starts with our Welcoming Rite, this year on Wednesday afternoon,
and the rituals continue, with a ceremony on Friday evening and, on Saturday,
a rite created by the camp as a whole.
Through Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Sunday morning, there are always three
or four workshops or talks to choose from, given by well-respected elders
of the Druid community, from different Orders and perspectives on the tradition.
Each morning and evening there is the opportunity to join the Circle Dancing,
or indeed the band who play for the dancers.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, there is music, storytelling and performances. Some
performers are traditional Bards, telling the old tales with harp. Some
are more contemporary, entertaining us with voice and guitar. And for those
who need more of a kick, we have bands from the Eco-Pagan, protest or folk
scene, or simply exceptional performers.
Of course, you need not attend anything, spending the days amidst friends,
old and new, and the evenings around firesides, sharing stories, music and
laughter.
For those who need silence, space and serenity, the Forest of Dean provides
endless territory to explore. Immediately around the camp site are woodlands
- and a space set aside as place for meditation and quiet.
The children's area is filled with wonderful resources for creativity.
For early risers with energy, there is a session of Stav - the Nordic martial
art based upon the Runes. The sessions are suitable for beginners and trained
practitioners.
A market space is open for folk to sell or barter their handicrafts, clothes,
incense, books, music and other wares. Some smiths, potters and woodworkers
offer guidance, demonstrations and crafts for sale throughout the camp. A few stalls
integrated with Rainbow 2000 also sell clothes, drums, sheepskins and other items to
satisfy those wishing to take home something more than memories.
Facilities at Camp
You are welcome to cater for yourself, bringing camping stoves or using
an open fire.
However, if you'd rather be looked after, we have a vegetarian cafe that
is open to serve breakfasts, and carries on providing great food all through
the day, including fairtrade teas, coffee and hot chocolate - and wicked
cakes. Indeed, the cafe is a great place to chatter and share tea, anytime of day or into the night.
We provide environmentally-sound deep-drop toilets.
We have a horsebox
that has been exquisitely converted in a shower block, heated with a woodburner.
Another conversion provides a sauna.